Governor Inslee spends a lot of time on the road running for President, leading to expenses and overtime for his security detail – and taxpayers are stuck with the bill. The Union-Bulletin editorial board wrote, “We certainly have no problem with the Patrol protecting the governor, but it doesn’t take a political scientist to connect the dots that Inslee’s ambitions as a politician are behind his extensive travel.” The paper wants to see a political group pick up the tab. They’re not the only ones asking questions of Inslee’s campaigning. (Walla Walla Union-Bulletin)

Shawn Vestal points out when it comes to paying for Inslee’s security, the line between his official duties and purely partisan trips is “a line that sometimes seems not to exist at all.” The Spokesman-Review columnist wrote, “Whether the notion of a President Inslee strikes you as realistic or not, that idea is in the air. Going forward, the costs and frequency of that political travel will continue to raise questions about how Inslee is balancing his duties at home with his responsibilities and aspirations on the national stage.” (The Spokesman-Review)

Former attorney and now-resigned SeaTac Mayor Michael Siefkes is continuing to dodge questions regarding allegations that he wrongfully extorted $300,000 from a vulnerable client. Siefkes agreed to a bar association sanction that is tantamount to disbarment and reportedly moved to Tennessee. “I have no comment. Good luck to you. Goodbye,” he said, before hanging up on a reporter. (Seattle Times)

The City of Aberdeen’s effort to keep visitors out of a homeless encampment has brought a federal lawsuit. An Episcopal priest filed the lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Tacoma last week after she said she was denied permission to enter the camp. “You can’t stop people from going door to door to talk to people, or tent to tent,” said attorney James Lobsenz. “What danger is there to the city of Aberdeen if the Rev. Monroe goes in and talks to people? None.” (Associated Press)

Pacific County Sheriff Scott Johnson says his decision to hire his 80-year-old father as undersheriff was not about the money. Well, a $77,000 salary would suggest otherwise. Johnson asked the county’s commissioners to approve a salary for his dad as an “Administrative Undersheriff.” One major flaw in Johnson’s plan appears to be that no such position even exists. “There is no such title. That is to say, no such job description exists,” said Commissioner Frank Wolfe. Johnson made the hire a week before losing election for a third term. (Aberdeen Daily World)

Relatives of a man whose body was used by the Bellingham Fire Department for intubation practice have filed claims against the city. Eleven fire department employees acknowledged practicing inserting and removing breathing tubes on the body of the man while waiting for it to be transported to a funeral home in July. The suit asks for $15 million, which…c’mon. (Bellingham Herald)

Sunnyside’s Daily Sun News will cease publication on Wednesday. The paper was sold and will re-emerge as the Sunnyside Sun, a weekly newspaper publishing every Wednesday. (Sunnyside Daily Sun News)

After first being constructed in the early 1950s, school officials say Kennewick High School needs some upgrades. The local portion of the bond would be roughly $125 million, costing district taxpayers an estimated $5 a month on a $200,000 home. (Tri-City Herald)

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